Archaeologists have long known that some stones at Stonehenge came from Wales, transported around 125 miles (200km) to the site. However, new analysis has revealed that one of the central megaliths is not Welsh but actually Scottish. The largest “bluestone” at Stonehenge was dragged or floated from the north-east corner of Scotland, a distance of at least 466 miles (750km).
The study found that the “altar stone”, which is made of old red sandstone, has a unique chemical composition and age fingerprint that matches rocks in north-east Scotland. The potential source areas are narrowed down to Orkney, present-day John o’Groats, Moray Firth, and Elgin.
The discovery not only changes our understanding of Stonehenge but also the entire late Neolithic period. It shows that prehistoric people had connections across a much wider area than previously thought. The biggest question remains: how did they transport the giant stone from Scotland to Wiltshire?
Some experts believe marine transport is one feasible option, while others think it was more likely dragged overland, engaging people en route and making the stone increasingly precious as it travels south. Regardless of the method, this finding opens up new suggestions for Neolithic Britain, revealing connections across a wider area than previously thought.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/14/stonehenge-megalith-came-from-scotland-not-wales-jaw-dropping-study-finds